Kitchen sink mixer installation

[rogeryeoau]

Have purchased a Shaw & Mason Sink Mixer (40 mm ceramic cartridge) from Bunnings and installed following directions. All good except that easy installation instructions say that the locking nut should be hand tightened. It's a little awkward to get at, and I'm reasonably strong but I cannot seem to get it tight enough so that it doesn't unscrew itself as soon as it is swiveled a couple of times. I have tried several times ... appears ok but when I move the spout back and forth it just un-does itself. Is there a trick to this? Or can I use some sort of fixative (ie. silicone) to set it in place. Obviously that will make removal at a later date more difficult, but will solve the problem for a few years (hopefully). Cheers for advice.Shaw&Mason locking nut

[Noyade]

Hi Rogery.

Is that locking 'nut' plastic?

Is there enough room for a large pair of multi-grips positioned at an angle - for that added twist?

I feel for ya - I really do - I hate being under the sink.

[rogeryeoau]

Cheers ... have tried that and the answer is no ;-(. I will try again though.

[rogeryeoau]

Hoping/thinking I have solved this ... loosened the grub screw in the handle and lifted it just a tiny bit so that there is no friction between the handle and the base (plastic collar). The (contrary to instructions), used the handle to just tighten the whole unit another quarter turn and it appears to be tight enough to stay. Handle turns independently. Geez, at age 70 I might just get my plumbers ticket yet! 

[EricL]

Hello @rogeryeoau

I'm glad you found a solution to fixing your tap. The type of kitchen tap you purchased is usually installed before the sink is fixed in place. One other way to tighten the kitchen tap to your sink is to loosen the sink clips and remove your sink from your benchtop. You'll then be able to properly tighten the sink mixer using multi grips.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric